Page 29 of Herds and Hooves

“How’s Belle’s hoof healing?” I asked more to make small talk than anything more. I knew she’d be feeling better by now.

“She’s doing good. The block came off a few days ago and she doesn’t have a hint of a limp I’m happy to say.”

“That’s what I like to hear.”

“Now, I would like to ask you something a little more serious,” Asa said and turned to face me.

“Oh really?” I squeaked. “And what would that be?” Deep down I knew what it would be. I had more than a few years on Bart, but that didn’t matter to me, and as far as I could tell, it didn’t matter to him. But not everyone in Foggy would agree.

“What is your intention for my nephew?” he asked with the same tone I’d heard from him anytime I’d heard him deal with a problem on the farm. Firm and serious, and all business.

“What do you mean?” I asked and hoped he let it go but knew he fucking wouldn’t.

His right eye twitched before he squinted it and tipped his head. “You really want me to spell it out for you?”

“Uh no, that won’t be necessary.”

“I want to make sure he doesn’t get hurt. He’s a good kid and he only deserves the best. If you’re only looking for a temporary thing I’d appreciate you being honest with him.”

All illusions I had about Asa not realizing we’d been together flew out the barn door in that moment. “I’d never do that. I don’t know what’s ahead for us, but I’d like to give whatever it could be, every opportunity. I’ve never met anyone like Bart before.” The words were out of my mouth before I had any time to even consider them, but all were true. I wanted more with Bart than I had any right to ask, and I was older than him, but it didn’t seem to matter. “I’d never knowingly hurt him.”

Asa gave me the same critical look I’d seen so many times before he finally nodded. “Alright then, make sure you take care of him. He’s a good one.”

“I will.” We both looked at him there in the pen with Georgia and Annie. Asa finally shook his head in amusement.

“Annie’s gonna end up sleeping with him. Mark my words.”

“Oh, yeah. I think that’s going to be one calf that will never know what it’s like to be alone,” I said and he grinned at me. “I know he’s younger, but he’s not naïve and believe me he’s no pushover.”

“That’s his mom’s side of the family, stubborn to the end, but hardworking and honest.”

“That sounds about right. He definitely likes to take charge,” I said before thinking about it.

Asa turned to look at me before bursting out laughing. “I can imagine that’s so,” he finally said. “You two have fun. He should take more time off and not work all day every day. He needs to learn how to live.”

“What are you two talking about?” Bart asked as he walked over to where we stood.

“Just saying you’re going to have that calf sleeping in your bed by next weekend,” Asa said.

“Ohhhh is that a thing?” he asked his eyes filled with excitement.

“No!” Asa and I said at the same time.

“You can’t house train a cow,” Asa said.

“It’s only little, there wouldn’t be much to clean up,” Bart said and stuck out his lip.

“I’m pretty sure Georgia would have a thing or two to say about that, if she could talk,” I said.

“She might like a little time off. Like an overnight babysitter.”

“Oh, sweet summer child, there is so much you still have to learn about cows,” Asa said, surprising the hell out of me.

“How do you—never mind.”

“Just so you know, I had a talk with Keith about his intentions with you. Now I know I’m not your father, but you are my nephew and since you’re living under my roof, I felt it was my job to—”

“It’s okay, Asa. I heard every word. You two talk way louder than you think you do.”